TRYING OUT: THE ORDINARY

If you've read this post you'll know that skincare is not something I find particularly exciting. That's not to say I don't look after my skin because I do (after all, good makeup starts with a good base) but to me it feels like a chore. This means I continuously repurchase the same products because I know they work and if it ain't broke don't fix it, right? If only I had the same attitude towards makeup.

All of that said, I've been seeing products from The Ordinary popping up everywhere at the moment and I have to admit it got me intrigued. I am by no means a skincare expert but their philosophy seems to make a lot of sense: clinical formulas, no unnecessary ingredients colours or fragrances and very affordable prices. Plus everything is cruelty free and vegan. Their product line up can be a bit daunting considering everything has sciency, confusing names so I'd definitely recommend having a read of this article if you're new to the brand.

Thanks to Beautyeditor the first product I bought was the 100% Plant-Derived Squalane which is a lightweight and non-greasy hydrating oil. I've been using a few drops of this every night after moisturiser and I really have seen a difference. It makes my skin feel nourished and plump (lol) and the next morning it definitely looks brighter and less meh. Apparently this can be used as a hair oil as well to hydrate and protect from heat but personally I haven't tried it out because I tend to steer clear of hair oils as a greasy-haired gal. Cute I know.

I also picked up their moisturiser: Natural Moisturising Factors + HA. This is definitely one of the best moisturisers I've tried. It's a pretty thick cream but sinks into skin so easily and leaves my face feeling smooth and soft. I also like that it's in a tube rather than a pot because not only is it more hygienic but it also means I don't get a load of cream under my nails - #firstworldproblems.

The newest addition to The Ordinary's line up is their first foray into makeup: two foundations. I got the Serum Foundation which is the lighter coverage option but let's be real I'm going to get the other one as well. This foundation is available in an impressive 21 shades in a variety of undertones so I was a bit overwhelmed trying to pick my shade online but ended up being pretty spot on. It's got a very thin, watery consistency which glides onto skin so easily and feels completely weightless. However, my beauty blender seems to absorb quite a lot of product so I feel like I'll get through the bottle quicker than I would with thicker foundations. Due to the consistency I assumed it would have very light coverage but its actually more light/medium and can be layered for higher coverage without getting cakey. The finish is natural and satiny but it after a few hours my skin starts to get shiny and the foundation settles into the nooks and crannies on my face. Nothing a bit of powder can't fix, though.

I 100% get why there's so much hype around this brand. The products are the definition of simple but effective and so affordable. I've also got my eye on their Salicylic Acid and the Matte/Dewy Watercolours which are 'coming soon'.